Sven-Goran Eriksson has admitted player power and a glorious World Cup win will not be enough to spark a U-turn on his England future.

Eriksson suggested he had not sought to end his England reign when meeting Football Association chiefs after his revelations in the fake sheikh scandal.

The Swede's players, preparing for tonight's friendly against Uruguay, insist they would have liked him to have stayed beyond this summer's World Cup finals.

But asked if any circumstances could prompt a dramatic U-turn, Eriksson said: "I haven't taken any decisions. I've literally done what people told me to do. It doesn't depend on me but that's okay.

"Everyone knows what's going to happen between now and August 1 and, after that, I don't know what's going to happen with myself."

The England squad met on Monday for the first time since the announcement that Eriksson would be leaving his post on August 1.

None of the players dare stick their necks out and name the manager they want to succeed him but they are united in their support of the Swede.

He has moulded them into a respected international team during the last five years and they stand together on the brink of their biggest test.

Eriksson said: "I feel I've always had support from the players. There's always been a feeling of respect between me, my coaching staff and the players.

"It's a fantastic group. I feel I have support from the FA as well. I don't know if that's strange or not.

"I'm in the office every day in London when I'm not travelling to football and nothing has changed there from what I can see or feel."

The FA board met on Tuesday to finalise their strategy for identifying Eriksson's successor.

The former Lazio coach's biggest fears now surround the fitness of his key players and he was anxious to hear more about a new injury to left-back Ashley Cole, who limped out of a reserve match on Monday after returning from a thigh muscle injury, which had followed a fractured foot.

The England boss said: "I was told he was on the pitch for only five minutes."

He will speak to Arsenal and England physio Gary Lewin for an update, fully aware that the clock is ticking for long-term injury victims like Cole. Eriksson said: "Of course it's a worry. It's March 1 tomorrow and we want to see him on the pitch as quick as possible.

"We must wait and see how bad this injury was but Ashley Cole is one of those players who gets into form quickly because of the body he has. I think he will be all right."

Wayne Bridge is likely to start at left-back against Uruguay as Eriksson names his strongest available team. Skipper David Beckham has told his manager he is fit to lead the team out at Anfield, despite a niggling back problem which forced him to come off during Real Madrid's game at Real Mallorca on Sunday.

Liverpool's Steve Gerrard will also start, despite a warning from Reds boss Rafael Benitez that he needs to rest. Eriksson said: "You always have to listen what the club managers are saying because they are together with the players all the time.

"What Benitez wants is the same as me. We want to see Steven Gerrard in great shape."

Frank Lampard will not be in the side, however, after the Chelsea midfielder pulled out of training with a `tight hamstring'.

Tottenham's Wallsend-born midfielder Michael Carrick will replace him, in with Darren Bent set to make his debut.

Charlton striker Bent, 21, has been in brilliant form since his #2.5m move from Ipswich last summer and was watched by Eriksson against Aston Villa last Saturday.

He has scored 17 goals for his club this season and starts up front with Wayne Rooney.